On the genesis of the project
When the Generalate asked the Visitors to inform each other about what is happening in their countries and in their provinces concerning Covid-19, this showed that the pandemic was having disastrous consequences on the human, social, economic, ecological, political, and religious levels by revealing the precariousness, the uncertainties, the hesitations, the fears of people and of administrative and medical, religious and membership organizations.
But many had also highlighted certain positive aspects such as the virtues of humility and simplicity, the importance of listening and speaking less, the strengthening of bonds and community times. Regarding the response to the pandemic, while some provinces had more practical contributions, others, like Cameroon, were limited to raising awareness within our own works and those entrusted to us, via social networks, in partnership with indications from the government and the WHO.
From the availability of funds to immediate preparation
The surprise about the availability of funds and the importance of building a local and provincial response project to the Coronavirus mobilized the vice-province which felt deprived by limiting itself exclusively to raising awareness during celebrations and by social networking. Without delay, the anti Covid-19 kits were put in place: face masks, hydro-alcoholic gels, digital thermometers, soaps, and buckets with taps. Doctors were also contacted to raise awareness among beneficiaries during the distribution.
Given the funds available and our 12 locales, the confreres worked with the pastors, parish councils, traditional authorities, Caritas, and the Vincentian Family to select 600 of the poorest families, or 50 families per locale. These are large, single-parent families, widows and those with low incomes, the elderly, or those with access to no more than one meal per day, whether they are Catholic or not, believers or not.
Distribution of the kits
Before the implementation phase of the project, a communication campaign was made on national and local radios, as well as on social networks. When the different clean and entrusted structures directed by the Vincentians had agreed on precise dates and a well-arranged program, the distributions started with Nyamfende and Abam in the diocese of Kribi. At each stage, until the end of August 2020, the vice-province, the Vincentian Family, and the medical staff will travel to join the local communities, the recipients of the kits, the traditional authorities, and the diocesan leaders for this human, spiritual, ecclesial and Vincentian moment.
The end of each ceremony gives rise to rejoicings as a sign of joy, shared meals as a sign of communion and gratitude, words of encouragement for being able to join them in their marginality, prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord, and words of gratitude to the Congregation of the Mission for its closeness and this unexpected support.
Guénolé Feugang, CM
Visitor Vice Province of Cameroon
